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Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting

Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars

These Maraschino Cherry Sugar Cookie Bars feature a soft, chewy sugar cookie base studded with cheerful bits of cherry. They're topped with a thick, tangy layer of cream cheese frosting that perfectly balances the sweetness. This simple one-bowl, one-pan recipe is incredibly easy to make and perfect for sharing at any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 24 servings
Calories: 231
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • ¾ cup Maraschino Cherries, finely chopped and well-drained
  • ¾ cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ½ tsp almond extract
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp baking powder
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • ¼ cup butter, softened (for frosting)
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • ¼ tsp almond extract (for frosting)
  • 1 dash salt (for frosting)
  • 2 ½ to 3 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking pan
  • Foil or parchment paper
  • Electric mixer
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Spatula
  • medium bowl
  • Paper towel

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line it with foil or parchment paper. Drain maraschino cherries thoroughly, finely chop them, and pat with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla and almond extracts.
  3. Add the flour, salt, and baking powder to the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined. Gently fold in the chopped cherries with a spatula.
  4. Press the dough evenly into your prepared pan. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the edges are very lightly browned and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before frosting.
  5. While the bars cool, prepare the frosting. In a medium bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in the vanilla, almond extract, and a dash of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar until you reach a smooth, spreadable consistency. Spread the frosting evenly over the completely cooled bars.

Notes

For the best results, use room temperature butter and cream cheese for a smooth texture. Do not overbake the bars; remove them from the oven when the edges are lightly golden. To get clean slices, ensure the bars are completely cooled and the frosting is set (chilling for 30 minutes helps), and wipe a sharp knife clean between each cut.